Saturday, September 30, 2017

Banned Book Week: Graphic Novel Review of This One Summer by Jillian Tamaki & Mariko Tamaki

This One Summer was the ALA's Most Challenged book of this last year! It was removed from schools in both Minnesota and Florida (was later reinstated in MN with restrictions and only in FL high schools in the area).  It is challenged due to the sexual diversity, drugs, profanity and sexually explicit.


Read for: Graphic Novel Challenge/ Banned Book

Synopsis: "Every summer, Rose goes with her mom and dad to a lake house in Awago Beach. It's their getaway, their refuge. Rosie's friend Windy is always there, too, like the little sister she never had. But this summer is different. Rose's mom and dad won't stop fighting, and when Rose and Windy seek a distraction from the drama, they find themselves with a whole new set of problems. It's a summer of secrets and sorrow and growing up, and it's a good thing Rose and Windy have each other.

In This One Summer two stellar creators redefine the teen graphic novel. Cousins Mariko and Jillian Tamaki, the team behind Skim, have collaborated on this gorgeous, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful story about a girl on the cusp of her teen age — a story of renewal and revelation."

My Review: I picked this one up because it was on the banned book list. I like the art style in this one, the blue tones really adds to the feel of the story. It makes me a little nostalgic for those years of easy laid back summers and discovering the world around us. It is a simple book but young readers will really be able to relate to the situations that the girls encounter during their summer. This is how kids experience and learn things, they encounter difficult situations in daily life, they hear and see everything around them and take something away from each encounter. A simple yet beautifully done statement about life and growing up.

My Rating: This was simple and beautiful, I would say it is like a younger version of Blankets, a statement of lessons learned in daily life.  I give it a rating of Four Paws.



So with this one being the most challenged book of last year, you would expect something truly horrific, but instead you get a simple glance at what young pre-teens and teens encounter every day.  How is this book any different than sending the kids out to the mall or movie theaters? Have parents actually paid attention to what happens in the world around them?  Again if you don't want your kid reading a book, that is your choice but you can't shelter them forever when they encounter these situations in regular life anyway.

2 comments:

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    1. I know you aren't all that big on graphic novels but I hope you will find one you like.

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